Bitcoin Policy Institute Names Former Treasury Senior Advisor Sam Lyman as Head of Research

Lyman brings extensive policy and communications expertise to BPI as the organization deepens its research efforts at the intersection of Bitcoin, artificial intelligence, and digital asset policy.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI) has announced that Sam Lyman, a former senior advisor and chief speechwriter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, has joined the organization as its Head of Research. Lyman brings extensive policy and communications expertise to BPI as the organization deepens its research efforts at the intersection of Bitcoin, artificial intelligence, and digital asset policy.

Why it matters

Lyman's appointment comes at a critical time as Bitcoin, stablecoins, and AI are becoming increasingly central to America's economic and geopolitical future. BPI aims to provide research and expert analysis to policymakers, regulators, media, and the public on these emerging technologies and their policy implications.

The details

While serving at the Treasury Department, Lyman played a significant role in shaping the administration's messaging on trade, tax, capital markets, and digital asset policy–including the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, the CLARITY Act, and comprehensive stablecoin legislation. Before joining the Treasury Department, Lyman served as public policy director at Riot Platforms, a leading digital assets and AI infrastructure company, where he was instrumental in making the public case for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in national media.

  • Lyman most recently served as senior advisor and chief speechwriter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
  • Lyman previously served as public policy director at Riot Platforms and as policy director at a Washington-based think tank.

The players

Sam Lyman

Former senior advisor and chief speechwriter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who has joined the Bitcoin Policy Institute as its Head of Research.

Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI)

A nonpartisan, nonprofit research organization dedicated to examining the policy and societal implications of Bitcoin and emerging monetary networks.

Scott Bessent

The current Treasury Secretary, under whom Lyman served as a senior advisor and chief speechwriter.

Riot Platforms

A leading digital assets and AI infrastructure company where Lyman previously served as public policy director.

Orrin G. Hatch

A former U.S. Senator from Utah, for whom Lyman served as chief speechwriter.

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What they’re saying

“The next American century depends on our ability to continue to lead in emerging monetary networks like Bitcoin and stablecoins. BPI is equipping our nation's leaders with the guidance and expertise they need to do exactly that. This is a think tank for the Fourth Turning, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead its research efforts.”

— Sam Lyman, Head of Research, Bitcoin Policy Institute (PRNewswire)

“Sam is one of the sharpest policy minds in Washington. He joins BPI at a moment when Bitcoin, stablecoins, and AI are becoming central to America's economic and geopolitical future. His combination of private-sector and government experience will be a major asset to our organization as we continue this phase of rapid growth.”

— Grant McCarty, Executive Director, Bitcoin Policy Institute (PRNewswire)

What’s next

The Bitcoin Policy Institute plans to continue expanding its research efforts on the policy and societal implications of Bitcoin, stablecoins, and AI under Lyman's leadership.

The takeaway

Lyman's appointment to lead research at the Bitcoin Policy Institute underscores the growing importance of digital assets and emerging technologies like AI in shaping America's economic and geopolitical future. BPI aims to provide policymakers and the public with expert analysis to navigate these rapidly evolving areas.